Dispersed camping near Rowe, Massachusetts places campers at the western edge of the Berkshires, where elevations range from 800 to 2,000 feet. Most primitive sites require driving on unpaved forest roads that become significantly more challenging after heavy rainfall. Winter camping is possible but requires preparation for temperatures that frequently drop below 10°F with occasional wind chills below zero.
What to do
Reservoir paddling: Somerset Reservoir offers 5.5 miles of paddling opportunities with no motorized boats allowed on weekdays. A camper at Somerset Airfield noted, "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities."
Winter camping: For cold-weather enthusiasts, Green Mountain National Forest provides accessible winter camping. One visitor to Green Mountain National Forest FR71 described their experience: "Free camping" with "spotty service" - making it ideal for those seeking a digital detox during winter months.
Riverside relaxation: Several sites offer direct river access with minimal crowds during weekdays. A camper at NF 83 - riverside shared: "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many dispersed areas feature unexpectedly large campsites that accommodate multiple tents or larger setups. A camper at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot mentioned: "At least a dozen spots, some very spacious. Only crashed for 1 night but will be coming back to spend a few, this area was excellent!"
Dark skies: The remote location provides exceptional stargazing with minimal light pollution. One camper described the NF83 Dispersed site as "a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
Solitude on weekdays: Most sites remain relatively empty Monday through Thursday, even during peak summer months. A visitor at Hogback Mtn Trailhead appreciated the quiet: "Great place to stop for the night. Not a lot of ambiance, but plenty of room for any number of rigs."
What you should know
Ground clearance requirements: Several access roads require vehicles with higher ground clearance. A reviewer noted about NF83 Dispersed site: "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Site maintenance varies: Some campers report needing to clean up after previous visitors. One camper at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 shared: "I would have given 5 stars except for the unfortunate fact that 2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Road closures: Forest roads may close unexpectedly. A camper at NFR 273 reported: "The entrance to the road had a sign that said 'road closed ahead'. We chanced it and was able to find a really nice open spot right before the road closure."
Tips for camping with families
Bug preparation: Dense forest areas can have significant insect activity. One camper at NFR 273 advised: "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Alternative sites: More open areas tend to have fewer bugs and more space for children to play. The same reviewer suggested: "A few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around and more open space."
Local amenities: Free camping near Rowe provides access to towns with supplies. A camper at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed mentioned: "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites."
Tips from RVers
Somerset Airfield advantages: This area offers more developed facilities. One RVer noted: "It is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailers that can't get into smaller sites."
Weather impacts: Expect significant changes to site conditions after rain. One camper reported: "The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side."
October accessibility: Late season camping may require driving deeper into forest roads to find suitable spots. An RVer in October shared: "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though."
